2013-05-17

5/17/2013
Department of International Affairs - Democratic Progressive Party

In
regards to our country granting the government of the Philippines 72 hours to
respond over the May 9 shooting by the Philippine Coast Guard of the Taiwanese
fishing boat, resulting in the death of a Taiwanese fisherman, Chair Su
Tseng-chang reiterated on May 14 that the DPP fully supports President Ma’s Administration
in demanding the Philippine government uncovers the real culprits, issue an
apology, provide compensation and initiate negotiation over fishing rights. Chair
Su also appealed President Ma’s administration to strengthen sea rescue
mechanisms, and pay closer attention to sea defenses since the defense budget
has been severely cut in the recent years.Chair
Su said he believes that the Philippine Coast Guard unreasonably shot the Taiwanese
fishing boat, killing a Taiwanese national. Upon first instance, he immediately
issued, on behalf of the DPP, his support of President Ma on this issue.“Even
though we are an opposition party, but in this instance, our views towards the
external world are one,” he said.Chair
Su said he wishes to offer suggestions to President Ma on how to deal with this
kind of incident. He said that firstly, the government must strengthen normal
sea rescue mechanisms because as seen in this case, the emergency response from
the government was too late, and further reflection is needed in the regular
training of sea rescue mechanisms. On the second suggestion, Chair Su said that
in the recent years, the government has severely cut the national defense
budget, leaving deficiencies in the normal activities of the navy and the coast
guard. He lastly urged President Ma’s Administration to increase the budget for
its maritime defense in order to guarantee the country’s national interests and
to ensure our sovereignty.Chair
Su also appealed the government of the Philippines to immediately offer their
explanations to Taiwan, using dialogue and peace to resolve this issue. He also
urged the Philippine government to assume their responsibility over this
incident in order to satisfy the collective interests of the people from both
countries. After
the Central Standing Committee meeting on May 15, Chair Su said that the
Philippines’ government response has left many in Taiwan very unsatisfied,
especially over the lack of sincerity in its apology without offering specifics
over compensation. He
said that he wanted to emphasize that the long-term relationship between the
people of the Philippines and Taiwan have been very friendly and close,
including trade, tourism and workers exchange. He appealed the people of Taiwan
not to take any unfriendly actions towards Philippine nationals residing in
Taiwan. “However,
when we deal with the government of the Philippines, we must stand strong in
our demands because this incident was carried out by an official of the
Philippine government, and we must ask them to offer an explanation so that the
victim’s family and the rest of the Taiwanese people can have closure,” he
said.

Chair Su Tseng-chang's remarks over the shooting incident by the Philippine Coast Guard of a Taiwanese fisherman